Sail into marriage
Major cruise lines offer wedding options in port — often performed before embarking — as well as at sea and at cruise destinations. Some lines’ weddings at sea are symbolic only; those that are legally recognized cost about twice as much. A sampling:
Carnival Cruise Line:
At-sea packages include a pre-cruise wedding planner, two-tier cake, sparkling wine toast and keepsake wedding certificate. Weddings at sea are symbolic only. Prices start at $1,450. Vow renewals cost $825 to $1,450.
Celebrity Cruises:
At-sea packages include a pre-sailing event manager, traditional cake for two and a bottle of Champagne. The ceremony led by the captain is legal. Prices start at $2,995. Celebrity is currently the only line offering legally recognized same-sex weddings at sea. Vow renewals begin at $595 (performed by cruise director) to $895 (performed by captain).
Holland America Line:
At-sea packages include an on-board wedding coordinator, one keepsake photo and Champagne toast for two. At-sea ceremonies by the captain are symbolic only. Prices start at $1,399. Vow renewals start at $129.
Princess Cruises:
At-sea packages include an on-board coordinator, candlelight ceremony by the captain, two fresh floral arrangements, a bouquet and boutonniere, four 8-by-10 photos, single-layer cake, bottle of sparkling wine, deluxe breakfast and specialty dinner for two. Captain-performed ceremony is legally recognized. Prices start at $2,500; with marriage license, $2,998. Vow renewals cost $226 to $499.
Royal Caribbean International:
At-sea packages include a ceremony for up to 10 guests, two-tier wedding cake, honeymoon dinner for two, a bottle of Champagne, breakfast in bed and chocolatecovered strawberries. Wedding is legally recognized. Prices start at $1,950. At-sea marriage license costs an additional $900. Vow renewals from $1,195.
Norwegian Cruise Line:
At-sea packages include a bouquet and boutonniere, cake for the couple, Champagne toast, bistro dinner for two, canapés delivered to stateroom and more. The ceremony led by the captain is legally recognized. Prices start at $2,995. Vow renewals cost $499.